Richmond, Virginia, has recently unveiled a revolutionary concept that brings together the best of two worlds for sports aficionados and collectors. Tucked away in the vibrant Scott’s Addition neighborhood is Parlay at Graybo’s, a one-of-a-kind establishment merging the convivial ambiance of a sports bar with the interactive allure of a sports card shop.
Conceived by Duke Dodson, Ryan Fitz, and Gray “Graybo” Burnette, this visionary project aims to create a communal space where patrons can relish the excitement of unboxing new card packs, engaging in live card breaks, catching sporting events on expansive screens, all while indulging in delectable meals and drinks. The grand opening of the venue took place on May 18 amidst fanfare, highlighted by the viewing of the Preakness Stakes, accompanied by live music and captivating activities.
Situated in the former site of the Circuit Arcade Bar at 3117 W. Leigh Street, Parlay at Graybo’s ingeniously connects the sports bar and card shop through a breezeway adorned with a miniature putting green, elevating the interactive and dynamic essence of the space.
The masterminds behind Parlay at Graybo’s bring a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the sports card industry to the table. Duke Dodson, a card collector since the late 1980s, reignited his passion for collecting in 2021, leveraging his strong business and finance background to make a mark in Richmond’s real estate scene. Gray Burnette, with a background in history and education, transitioned into this venture post-pandemic challenges in the educational sphere. Ryan Fitz, hailing from property management and tech realms, injects a modern touch into the operational facets of the business.
Inspired by nostalgic memories of collecting in their youth and a vision to curate a space catering to both children and adults seeking a sophisticated setting to revel in sports and collectibles, the trio transformed a modest sports card shop into a more expansive and versatile destination.
The new establishment flaunts impressive expansions with the sports bar spanning 3,300 square feet and the card shop enlarging to 2,200 square feet. Anticipated to witness a surge in foot traffic owing to its prime location in an entertainment-laden hub, Parlay at Graybo’s offers a groundbreaking feature where patrons can engage in or spectate live card breaks from the bar, infusing an element of thrill reminiscent of game days.
Furthermore, the founders nurture a community of collectors through avenues like their eBay store, a weekly podcast, and online live breaks, fostering engagement with the collector community both locally and globally. Ryan Fitz highlighted the burgeoning community of collectors in the Richmond area, ranging from amateurs to seasoned connoisseurs and investors, making Parlay at Graybo’s a welcoming haven for all.
Following the closure of the erstwhile venue Circuit, Duke Dodson seized the opportunity to acquire the property, paving the way for this innovative venture. The fusion of a sports bar with a card shop at Parlay at Graybo’s marks a trailblazing concept in the locale, promising a distinctive and electrifying environment that is sure to captivate sports enthusiasts and card collectors alike, offering them an unparalleled and immersive experience.
